Page 8 - ROTO
P. 8
Rotary Magazine for District 1210
Mercia & Marches (M&M) Rotary was born out of commitments, my own commitment to Rotary has
the need for an alternative type of Rotary varied during that time - from being President to
experience when compared with the traditional taking leave of absence. I have however never lost
Rotary Club model. Although as the name suggests, my belief that Rotary is a force for good. My old
and as required by Rotary International, it is Club, of which I had been a founder member, closed
necessary to have a geographical location, M&M in its doors and handed back its Charter earlier this
convening its meetings on-line, consequently makes year. Looking for a new Rotary home, Mercia and
the club accessible not only to people from within Marches Rotary looked promising – a new format
District 1210, but also elsewhere in the UK, and aiming to create a dynamic and inclusive club,
further afield. operating in an informal style, but still delivering
good ‘Rotary’. The difference is less emphasis on
M&M online meetings are normally held twice a
month and are recorded to enable members to attendance and process with more emphasis on
remain fully informed of our plans and activities action.
especially those with working and domestic “Mercia and Marches Rotary is a Passport Club and,
commitments. as meetings are mainly on-line, this seems to me
one very good way of injecting new energy and
Some of the M&M members transferred from their
previous club because that club no longer met their keeping Rotary refreshed for all. We are a new Club
needs and /or could not fit in with the member’s and these are early days. However, much work has
personal family commitments. already been done to establish the foundations of a
successful Club and we are now looking at our first
‘M&M’ is proper Rotary! community project. Yes – Mercia and Marches
As with the ‘traditional’ Rotary model, the M&M Rotary looks promising.
club has a president, and other officers. Its ,,, and why did I choose to join M&M?
members are full Rotarian members, all part of
D1210, with the same reporting procedure and Rtn. Jane A. Evans: “I really wanted to find a new
voting rights. The club undertakes Rotary projects style of Rotary for me and my ever changing work/
both locally and worldwide together with life balance. M&M offers me the flexibility and
commitment to the Rotary Foundation and ‘End autonomy to be involved with other Rotarians,
Polio Now’. Groups and Volunteers without Geographical
Boundaries.
Implementing and actioning its own projects, M&M
seeks to work with not just other Rotary Clubs, but “We are a small and a very welcoming group,
to also network with other organisations and exploring project ideas, encouraging inclusivity and
groups to effect bigger and better projects, whilst, at breaking down barriers. We really do listen to one
the same time, increasing Rotary awareness and another! We want to pique the interest of people of
image. Perhaps M&M could assist your club. all ages.
Yes, still early days, however, M&M is already
Designing ‘New Look’ Rotary
thinking 'Out of the box' becoming an influence for
Realising the need for an alternative Rotary ‘club’ positive change and powering towards the next
model, there is a wealth of information available Generation of Rotary. I really feel like a 'Local
from “My Rotary” online whilst also keeping in Global Citizen'”
mind ‘How can Rotary fit the member, not how
does a member fit into Rotary?’ M&M projects
Whilst ‘M&M’ Rotary is only five months old and
Why did I join M&M?
currently driven by the very enthusiastic members.
Rtn. Tim Dukes: “A wise person once said ‘The start The team is now seeking out additional project
of something new brings the hope of something opportunities within District 1210 and further
great, anything is possible’ (anonymous). Mercia afield.
and Marches Rotary is a new Club and brings with The club is currently in conversation with several
it the hope of many good, worthwhile and exciting town councils, schools and colleges to promote the
projects and experiences!
Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to plant trees, to
“I have been a Rotarian for nearly thirty years. It is celebrate her platinum jubilee next year. This will
fair to say that, due to both work and family provide us with an excellent opportunity to increase
7 ROTO WINTER 2021/22
